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Marlins righty Henderson Alvarez to miss first schedule start because of leg infection

JUPITER _ Marlins right-hander Henderson Alvarez will miss several days of spring training because of an infection in his right shin.

Alvarez, who was schedule to start Sunday in Viera against the Nationals, was at Roger Dean Stadium today and walking with the aid of crutches. He went to the hospital Tuesday to have the infection drained.

“He had to have it cleaned out,” manager Mike Redmond said. “We’re expecting him to be fine in a couple of days. He’s probably out at least for three or four days.”

Alvarez has been bothered by the infection for a few days. He pitched live batting practice on Saturday and was not in camp Sunday because of the infection. Redmond said a short break should not set him back to much.

“It shouldn’t affect him,” Redmond said. “But he’s pitched quite a bit. It shouldn’t affect him as far as how much time it will take him to bounce back. He will get his pitches in and get him ramped up for opening day.”

Alvarez is projected as the Marlins No. 3 starter behind Jose Fernandez and Nathan Eovaldi. Fernandez will start the Marlins’ Grapefruit League opener on Friday against the Cardinals. The Marlins have a split squad on Saturday with Eovaldi going against the Cardinals at Roger Dean and Kevin Slowey facing the Mets in Port St. Lucie.

Left-hander Brad Hand will take Henderson’s spot on Sunday against Washington.

Alvarez, 23, went 5-6 with a 3.59 ERA in 17 starts last season, pitching a no-hitter in his last start. The 1-0 victory over Detroit ended on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth.